Discover one of the best coastlines in Australia. Tourist Drive 30 boasts kilometres of pristine coastline with sweeping beaches, world class surfing, crystal clear waterways & local delights, including fresh seafood.
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BALLINA
Begin your journey in Ballina and take a scenic stroll along Ballina’s stunning riverfront, The Historic Ballina Waterfront trail runs along the Richmond River, starting at the North Wall and showcases Ballina's history and the significance of the river. From here you can walk the whole way to the town centre along the riverfront. Keep your eyes open for the amazing marine life you might encounter; dolphins, turtles and birdlife to name a few. The North Wall is a 900m walk from the Lighthouse Surf Club.
Ballina's main street is River Street, lined with stylish cafes and specialty shopping. The riverfront boasting parklands, barbeque facilities, playgrounds, cafes and restaurants. Park at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre and enjoy free all-day parking to explore the local attractions on foot all within close proximity.
A trip to Ballina would not be complete without taking a photo with the iconic Big Prawn as a memento! Ballina is synonymous with fresh local seafood, so indulge in today's catch from one of the fresh seafood outlets at the western end of River Street. The Big Prawn is 4.2kms from Ballina Visitor Information Centre
EAST BALLINA
After exploring Ballina's CBD head east over Missingham Bridge and enjoy sweeping views of the Richmond River and North Creek. Beautiful places on either side of the bridge to fish or enjoy a swim in the calm protected waters - if your thirsty the iconic Shaws Bay Hotel is also conveniently situated in this area. East Ballina has plenty of beaches to explore or stop at one of the beachside cafes for your caffeine fix.
FLAT ROCK AND SHARPES BEACH
Following the Coast Road through East Ballina, head North towards Skennars Head. Here you will find Flat Rock and Sharpes Beach. This area is well known for great surf, amazing views and during peak periods a popular patrolled beach. Park at Sharpes Beach and take a stroll over the coastal cliffs, or simply up to the Sharpes Beach Lookout for a great photo opportunity.
PAT MORTON LOOKOUT
Enjoy the elevated panoramic views over Lennox Head township and beyond to Cape Byron from Pat Morton Lookout. This is a perfect place to watch pro surfers, hang gliders, migrating whales (in season) and to soak up the sunshine. Take the stairs from the car park area, up the hillside to enjoy part of the coastal track through literal rainforest heading south along cliff tops to Boulder Beach and into Ballina. The pathway near the carpark, that heads back down the crest, along Seven Mile Beach and into the township of Lennox 1.5kms away is a beautiful scenic walk.
LENNOX HEAD
Continue North to the small cosmopolitan village of Lennox Head, a mecca among surfers, popular holiday spot for families and foodies paradise. Enter Lennox via Ballina Street and follow the road through to the main Village. Find boutiques, galleries, a children's playground, funky cafes and restaurants all directly across from Seven Mile Beach, offering views of Pat Morton Headland.
LAKE AINSWORTH
Continue North to discover the tea-tree stained waters of Lake Ainsworth. Plunge into the calm therapeutic waters; a great swimming spot for all ages, perfect for kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. The Lake is complimented with barbecue and picnic facilities.
BROKEN HEAD
Stop in at Broken Head Nature Reserve where the lush rainforest meets sandy beaches. Wander through the rainforest along the Three Sisters walking track, a stunning cliff top walk to a lookout. The rocky outcrops, known as the Three Sisters, are part of a Bundjalung dreamtime story that you can read about on the trail. Just past the Three Sisters a stepped path leads to a palm-covered rocky cove. You can continue your walk along to Kings Beach at low tide and return through stunning paperbark forest to Seven Mile Beach Road and then complete the loop back to the Broken Head car park.
SUFFOLK PARK
Continue 5.2km North to Suffolk Park. This small seaside community is dotted along the pristine and uncrowded Tallow Beach. Suffolk has its own bakery café, family friendly pub and a laid back Indian diner that is very popular with the locals.
BYRON BAY
Take in the stunning views and scenic headland walk from Australia's most easterly point at the Byron Bay Lighthouse. Book a tour with National Parks and Wildlife Service to visit the Lighthouse offering a bird's eye view of the Cape Byron Marine Park and hinterland from the top balcony. While in the town centre of Byron visit the family-friendly beaches at Main Beach, Clarkes and Wategos.
This is the end point of your hinterland discovery via the signposted Tourist Drive 30. Head back towards the Pacific Motorway and take the Ballina exit to return or head into the hinterland to explore the region further!
Image: Pat Morton Lookout